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Holby City's real-life deaths – cancer tragedy, sudden heart attack and balcony plummet

BBC series Holby City is sadly coming to an end next week after 23 years of drama, operations, births and deaths.

The broadcaster told how it was removing the popular show to make way for “new opportunities”.

The writers of the show have created a nail-biting ending to the last episodes of the series – which sees staff fight to keep the hospital open after its placed in special measures.

The show cast many established names, many of whom previously appeared in hit British soaps such as EastEnders and Coronation Street.

But since leaving show several of the cast have died.

Daily Star takes a look at the cast members who have passed away.

Rebekah Gibbs

Rebekah Gibbs played paramedic Nina Farr
(Image: Getty Images)

In November 2014, Rebekah Gibbs who played paramedic Nina Farr died after a six-year battle with breast cancer, aged just 41.

Talent agency Belfield and Ward confirmed the news, tweeting: “Darling Rebekah Gibbs, a true inspiration and dazzling light, never to be forgotten.”

Rebekah was first diagnosed in 2008. and revealed she was given the all-clear in April 2013 after having a double mastectomy.

A few months later she suffered a seizure and was told the cancer had spread to her brain and lungs.

She died in a hospice on Remembrance Sunday, according to neighbours.

Moses Mahgoub

Moses Mahgoub took his own life in Feburary
(Image: BBC)

In 2018 Moses Mahgoub, who had appeared in several episodes of the hospital drama, plunged to his death from his apartment block after suffering depression.

The star battled with mental health problems and previously tried to take his own life by jumping to his death but succeeded only in fracturing his pelvis, an inquest heard.

Moses took an overdose of paracetamol before his leap in the early hours of February 2.

His brother, who has learning difficulties, was in the apartment but was unaware about what had happened until after his brother was found.

Peter Bowles

Peter Bowles sadly passed away from cancer aged 88 earlier this month
(Image: PA)

Peter Bowles sadly passed away from cancer aged 88 earlier this month.

The actor played Bernie Farraday, a surgeon in the series – and also played Richard DeVere in BBC sitcom To The Manor Born, which aired between 1979 to 1981.

Peter also starred in Agatha Christie’s Poirot on ITV and the Duke of Wellington in royal drama Victoria.

The sad news was confirmed in a statement from his agent, which read: “The actor Peter Bowles has sadly passed away at the age of 85 from cancer.

“Starting his career at the Old Vic Theatre in 1956, he starred in 45 theatrical productions ending at the age of 81 in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre.”

Michael Angelis

The actor passed away at his home in May 2020
(Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

Michael played Gordon McCauley in series 7 of the series, a man who heads a vigilante group of residents to seek revenge after his elderly father is attacked by thugs.

The actor, who also appeared in Boys from the Blackstuff and The Bill, star passed away at his home in May 2020.

Michael was also known for narrating Thomas the Tank Engine show Thomas and Friends.

The actor was born in Liverpool in 1952 and rose to fame with screen appearances in shows such as Z Cars and Thirty-Minute Theatre.

Laura Sadler

Laura Sadler played staff nurse Sandy Harper in the BBC1 drama
(Image: Laura Sadler played staff nurse Sandy Harper in the BBC1 drama)

Laura Sadler played staff nurse Sandy Harper in the BBC1 drama.

She died in February 2013, five days after plunging 40ft from a balcony.

After she was taken to London’s Charing Cross Hospital, her mother, Sonya, kept a vigil beside her daughter throughout her last days. Her mother and other family members were with her when she died.

Four years before her death she played Judi Jeffreys in Grange Hill, who died after a fall from a window trying to escape a burning building.

The final episode of Holby City will air on Tuesday at 7.50pm (March 29)

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If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts please visit itv.com/helplines or contact The Samaritans on 116 123.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


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